Converse is an American shoe company that produces, sells, and licenses lifestyle brand footwear, apparel, and accessories, including sneakers, skating shoes, and other types of footwear. It was established in 1908, and since 2003, it has functioned as a subsidiary of Nike, Inc.
During World War II, Converse redirected their shoe production to focus on producing footwear for the armed forces.
It was one of the few companies that produced sports shoes, and for more than half a century, the company held a dominant position in the market for athletic shoes in the United States. Beginning in the 1970s, the corporation began to lose its dominant position as other businesses began to offer their own distinct styles.
Products bearing the Converse, Cons, Chuck Taylor All-Star ("Chucks"), Jack Purcell, One Star, and Star Chevron trademarks are included in the current lineup of goods offered by the corporation under its several brand names.
Converse frequently works with other companies, like as John Varvatos, on the creation of limited edition special edition product collections. Converse footwear can be identified by a number of identifying characteristics, such as the company's star logo, the rubber sole of the All Star model, a round and smooth toe, and a wrap-around strip.
As of the beginning of the year 2019, Converse had 63 stores located in various international markets in addition to its 109 company-owned retail locations in the United States.